Carrick premiere for Oscar star’s film

An upcoming sci-fi adventure movie partially filmed in Carrickfergus is to have its Northern Ireland premiere in the borough early next year.
Sir Ben Kingsley (far left) pictured on the beach in Carrickfergus during filming for Robot Overlords. INCT 27-405-RMSir Ben Kingsley (far left) pictured on the beach in Carrickfergus during filming for Robot Overlords. INCT 27-405-RM
Sir Ben Kingsley (far left) pictured on the beach in Carrickfergus during filming for Robot Overlords. INCT 27-405-RM

Scenes from Robot Overlords, which stars Oscar-winner Sir Ben Kingsley and Gillian Anderson, were shot around Carrickfergus Castle in June 2013.

A drive-in screening of the feature film, organised by Belfast Film Festival, is now being planned at the maritime area against the backdrop of the medieval fortress.

Despite original expectations of a 2014 general release date, the futuristic tale has only been shown once so far, garnering rave reviews at the BFI London Film Festival in November.

While details of the exact date and ticket prices are still being confirmed, a council spokesperson indicated that the local screening will likely take place in early February.

The futuristic tale portrays an Earth which has been conquered by robots from another galaxy, with human survivors ordered to stay in their homes.

The family film also stars Callan McAuliffe and Ella Hunt.

The harbour area has previously been used to stage BBC Proms in the Park and a two-day rock festival.

A survey conducted last year as part of a pilot project to improve linkages between the castle and the local community found that respondents wished to see more events in general at the historic location.